I am from waking up to kids banging on our garage door,
from slipping on LIFE, Monopoly, and 1000 piece puzzles as I walk down the stairs.
I am from satisfied, sweaty, and screaming kids
playing capture the flag
with breaks long enough to sip lemonade.
I am from scraped knees and black and blue legs,
from messy hair and muddy hands.

I am from the smell of wet grass and soccer cleats.
From six hours car rides staring at corn fields and occasionally cows.
I am from Icy Hot and heating pads,
after a weekend of inspiring wins as well as tough losses.
From hearing coaches yell “get on the line”
which led to complaints about conditioning and commitment.
I am from attainment, accomplishment, and achievement
after hearing the final whistle at the state championship.
I am from watching hard work and dedication turn into
first place medals and even more complaints about conditioning.

I am from sweet smells of sugar cookies in the oven
as well as burnt burgers on the grill.
From rushing over to the house next door to eat dinner
after my mom charred ours.
I am from spending more time at my neighbor's house than my own.
From heartbreak when my parents said
“we are moving this summer.”
I am from leaving the friends that felt like family
to start over in a new house with new neighbors.
From trembling hands on the first day of school,
and from hearing voices from behind saying
“the math rooms are the next hallway over.”
I am from new opportunities, new ideas, and new experiences.